This Scottish Government consultation, which was drafted in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, Keep Scotland Beautiful and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), is seeking views on the aims, objectives and actions that will sit under, the new National Litter and Flytipping Strategy for Scotland.

These proposed actions sit within three strategic themes that were agreed by stakeholders:
Behaviour change
Services and infrastructure
Enforcement

Evaluating the progress and effectiveness of the strategy is also acknowledged to be of vital importance. Data and research has been recognised as a cross-cutting theme and comprises an integral and essential part of the other three themes listed above.

Why your views matter
The responses to this consultation will help shape and deliver the final strategy which will be published in 2022. Engagement and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders is a crucial aspect of the new strategy development.

To take part in the consultation see link below
https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-litter-flytipping-consultation/

The consultation closes on 31st March 2022

As a safety precaution, our services will cease to run from tomorrow (16 February) afternoon. Services will wind down by 4pm, when the worst of Storm Dudley’s strong winds and heavy rain are set to hit Scotland.

ScotRail services on the Far North, Kyle of Lochalsh, and Aberdeen-Inverness lines will continue to run. Some cross-border services will operate too, but at reduced speeds.

We know the impact that the earlier withdrawal of services will have on customers but it’s a necessary step to ensure the safety of our staff and customers due to the severe weather.

If you have to travel over the next few days, please plan ahead and check your journey before setting off.

Visit our website for more information.

https://www.scotrail.co.uk/major-disruption-due-extreme-weather

You may be aware that the Met Office has issued AMBER weather warnings for the winds on Wednesday/Thursday. This is expected to cover an area including Strathclyde, Dumfries & Galloway, Forth Valley, Western Fife and the Lothians & Borders. The Amber warning is likely to be valid from 1800 on Wednesday until 0900 on Thursday and be assessed as a medium likelihood of medium impacts including:

·         Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, and some roads and bridges are likely to close, leading to longer journey times and cancellations. There is also the potential for cross border travel issues.

·         Probably some fallen trees and damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs.

·         There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

·         Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.

It is important to note that there is another current YELLOW warning, which also indicates potential disruption. On Friday – “Storm Eunice” –  is forecast to impact Dumfries & Galloway, the Borders and southern parts of the Lothians and Strathclyde.

The warnings can be viewed on the Met Office website  https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice

Find advice  on how to prepare for and deal with severe weather can be found at: https://ready.scot/respond/severe-weather

Fire Alarm Scams
New Santander Text Scams
New Covid Scam Message
Loft Insulation Scams
QR Code Scams

The bulletin is available online here
https://mailchi.mp/6d67a8e66711/trading-standards-scotland-bulletin

Please share as appropriate

How secure do you feel online?

We are currently gathering views and information on attitudes to cyber security and would really appreciate your help!  This survey will only take a minute to complete and will not collect or share any personal information.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JG2XS8S

Secondly, if your children or grandchildren enjoy online gaming you might want to join our webinar on Tuesday 8 February at 7pm on Gaming4Good.

Most experts agree that playing online games can have many beneficial effects to our children, developing key cognitive, motor and life skills and encouraging them to keep abreast of the latest technology. However, as with many things children do online, there can also be negatives. This Safer Internet Day, please join our free one-hour Gaming4Good webinar where you can hear from a panel of experts in family gaming, psychology, gaming risk and finance, about how to approach your child’s gaming to help them get the most out of it … and avoid the pitfalls. You can register here:
https://www.getsafeonline.org/gaming4good-sid22-webinar/

With kind regards,
the Get Safe Online team

We recommend multiple levels of security to DETER, DELAY and DETECT thieves.

DETER
Security Marking & Signage
CCTV & Signage
Security Lighting

DELAY
Secure Entrances to Farm Steadings (Land managers and owners need to be mindful of obligations under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003)
Secured Sheds / Buildings
Park vehicle in front of secured shed doors
Don’t Leave Keys in or near Quad Bikes/Vehicles

DETECT
Shed & Building Alarms
CCTV
Vehicle Trackers

General advice for all vehicles

Where possible, vehicles should be housed in a lockable garage or building, ideally with security lighting installed to the perimeter.
Vehicles should always be locked when not in use, with the keys kept hidden and locked away in a secure location.
Keep recordings or photographs of serial numbers and vehicles as these can be crucial in recovery, should the worst happen.
Quad bikes and ATVs Quads and All-Terrain Vehicles are the top target for thieves in the UK as they are easier to steal and sell-on than larger farm vehicles. As well as being simple to jump on and drive off when they’re left standing, thieves also take them from workshops and barns.
Invest in a bespoke quad security device, such as Quadvice or a quality padlock and chain, such as those approved by Secured By Design – a police approved product scheme.
Securing to a fixed point on the ground or something that takes time to remove will also act as a deterrent.
Never leave your keys in the ignition, even if you only briefly leave your ATV unattended.
Install immobilisers, chip keys and trackers as these are a simple way to deter criminals or track vehicles and can be fitted easily by an experienced agricultural engineer.
Mark machinery with DNA marking devices
Sign up to CESAR, an agricultural equipment registration scheme, which increases the chance of recovering stolen goods by helping police identify stolen machinery
Keep gates to yards closed as open gates can be an invitation to thieves.

If you see a crime being committed or see something suspicious and urgent contact Police on 999. If you have information which might be useful regarding a crime then contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.

This Scottish Government consultation, which was drafted in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, Keep Scotland Beautiful and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), is seeking views on the aims, objectives and actions that will sit under, the new National Litter and Flytipping Strategy for Scotland.

These proposed actions sit within three strategic themes that were agreed by stakeholders:
Behaviour change
Services and infrastructure
Enforcement

Evaluating the progress and effectiveness of the strategy is also acknowledged to be of vital importance. Data and research has been recognised as a cross-cutting theme and comprises an integral and essential part of the other three themes listed above.

Why your views matter
The responses to this consultation will help shape and deliver the final strategy which will be published in 2022. Engagement and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders is a crucial aspect of the new strategy development.

To take part in the consultation see link below
https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-litter-flytipping-consultation/

The consultation closes on 31st March 2022